Workout FAQs

Q: What is P90X?

A: P90X is a 90 day home fitness program that will get you into excellent shape if you commit to both the diet and workouts! It’s the program that took me from a flabby 255 to a totally ripped 215 in just 90 days! You can learn more about P90X by clicking here.

Q: Should I do Insanity before P90X?

A: Insanity is a very intense program and is usually taken on by people who have already completed P90X and looking to lose that last bit of fat. Insanity only involves body weight for resistance, and is mostly cardio based. I love Insanity as a way to add variety to the P90X program, but I don’t want to go a whole 63 days without doing resistance workouts. I am currently using 2-3 Insanity days per week in my Hybrid workout schedules, but not doing Insanity all by itself.

Q: What programs have you used?

A: I’ve used P90X, Insanity, P90X2, Asylum, Tony Horton 1-on-1, and P90X Plus, among others. Read about these and the other great Beachbody programs available in the “Workout Programs” tab.

Q: I don’t really enjoy the Yoga workout. Can I substitute it with something else?

A: Yoga is very beneficial, and I recommend that you complete the workout. It increases balance, core strength, and flexibility. It’s an important workout if you’re looking to take your fitness to the next level. If, however, you just really can’t stand it, substitute Core Synergistics. I hate yoga and often sub Core Synergistics myself, but I still try to make myself do the yoga at least a couple times per month on the recovery week to keep myself honest LOL.

Q: Is it OK to do Ab Ripper X later in the evening instead of right after my workout?

A: Yes, you can do the Ab Ripper X anytime as long as you do it the same day. You can do it before, immediately after, or at an entirely different time of day. The key is getting it done!

Q: I’m struggling with Ab Ripper X. Do you have any tips?

A: With ARX, it’s important that you make sure you are using proper form for all the exercises. Most (inlcuding myself) find it impossible to keep up at first … or even for the first couple months. That’s fine. Just do your best. Maybe that means you do 15 reps while they do 25, and each week you try to add one more rep to it. Pick a plan that will help you improve each week as your core gets stronger.

Q: I just finished P90X, now what should I do?

A: You have many options: (1) You could do another round of P90X. (2) You can move to the next level by purchasing P90X2 or Insanity. (3) You can combine P90X Classic with other programs like P90X Plus, One on One, or Insanity. See my Hybrid Schedules for ideas! Get creative. Keep it fresh. And keep it fun!!

Q: I just finished Round 1 of P90X. How long should I wait before jumping into Round 2?

A: Many will say to wait a week before going into the next round. I tried this after my first round and it didn’t work well for me. I felt I was losing momentum and rhythm. Since the final week of every round is a recovery week, that’s enough for me. I’ve always gone right back to the next round with no break. But if you feel your body needs a break for a few days, or even a week, that’s fine. Then get back at it!

Q: Should I take pictures of my progress?

A: Yes! It’s important that you take all the necessary photos, preferably on Day 1, Day 30, Day 60, and Day 90. Here are the proper poses: front with hands down, front with hands on hips, front flex, back with hands down, back with hands on hips, back flex, side with hands down. By looking back at those pics, which seem embarrassing at the time, you’ll see the pay off for all the hard work!

Q: What version of P90X should I do?

A: There are 3 versions: Classic, Lean, and Doubles. I recommend the Classic version for anyone who is looking to put on some muscle and strength and lose body fat. This version is very popular among the men, but many women enjoy it as well. The Lean version focuses mostly on cardio, and is popular among the women. Doubles is for all the crazy people who can’t get enough exercise! It involves doing an extra cardio workout on resistance days.

Q: Should I do Doubles?

A: Doubles is very demanding on the body, and it’s very important that you take in the proper pre and post workout nutrition. If you feel like your body can handle the extra workload, and you are wanting to shed a bit more body fat, give it a try. Or, you can do what I did – substitute Insanity cardio routines for the P90X cardio, which will definitely up the intensity factor!

Q: I’m a woman, will I gain mass with P90X?

A: This is a common worry that most women have. There is no need to worry because men develop muscle much easier than women. Women who go through the P90X Classic version get toned, lose body fat, and get great results.

Q: I’m having a hard time staying motivated. Can you help?

A: Motivation is critical to sticking with the program. You need to plug in, hold yourself accountable, and connect with others. That’s why I have so many groups available to you. Be sure you check that out in the “Getting Started Right!” tab, and PLUG IN!! Also, keep checking in here to be inspired by all the amazing Hall of Fame results, videos, and pics of our teamRIPPED success stories!

Q: How many reps should I do?

A: If you’re looking to get toned, then focus on 12-15 reps, and if you’re looking to gain mass, 8-10 or 6-8 reps is best.